GunSmoke Issue 105 (2008)

GunSmoke 105 February 2008 Page 1

A community newsletter published bimonthly by the Gungahlin Community Council Inc 14,500 copies distributed around the Gungahlin area

Proudly supporting the Gungahlin community. Gungahlin Lakes Golf and Community Club pay for distribution of Gunsmoke newsletter.

GUNSMOKE INDEX

FEBRUARY 2008

105 FEBRUARY 2008

unSmoke

Gungahlin Smoke Signals

Review of Gungahlin Town Plan

In 2008, the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) will be preparing a Gungahlin Planning Study to review past planning and to prepare for future growth in the Gungahlin area.

Spokesperson from ACTPLA said that in the past five years, more than 50 per cent of the land in Gungahlin has now been built on or is committed for future development.

“The Gungahlin community has voiced concerns about transport, space for future growth and planning controls used in the town centre”, she said.

“By assessing current planning and design principles, the Authority hopes to learn if they are producing the types of development expected and needed by the community.”

This study aims to identify key planning, transport and urban design issues in Gungahlin Town Centre, by reviewing the Town Centre’s existing planning framework and planning controls, including zoning and building heights.

Public consultation will be through meetings and workshops hosted by the Authority and including interested stakeholders such as the Gungahlin Community Council, local service providers, the property industry and residents. Information on the Planning Study, including details of consultation, will be available on the Authority’s website (www.actpla.act.gov.au)

The first stage of consultation will be the release of an Issues Paper. Once consultation on the Issues Paper is complete, a draft report will be released for further consultation.

The Gungahlin Community Council will be involved in any consultation with this study. Please let us know if you would like to contribute to planning for the de-velopment of the future of Gungahlin.

The original plan for the Gungahlin Town Centre will be reviewed in light of the development in Gungahlin over the past five years.

Gungahlin Town Plan ......1 GCC President ................2 Editorial............................2 Help Wanted....................2 Conservation Council ......3 Housing ...........................3 Local Area Coordination ..4 Andrew Barr.....................5 Education.........................5 Transport .........................5 Public Art .........................5 Your Say..........................6 Power House on the roof.6 Renewable Energy ..........7 GCRS ..............................8 Light Rail..........................9 Mental Health ................11 Police beat.....................12 Finance..........................14 Churches .......................16 For Kids .........................16

Page 2 GunSmoke 105 February 2008

GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL GPO Box 260, Gungahlin ACT 2012 [email protected] www.gcc.asn.au

President: Alan Kerlin 0408 771633 [email protected]

Vice Pres: Jon Reynolds 0418 812281 [email protected] Secretary: vacant Treasurer: Evelyn Greaves 0403 865888 [email protected] Editor: Janet McKinney 0429 056175 [email protected] Public officer: Kevin Cox Web Admin: vacant

GunSmoke is published bi-monthly – Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec

Deadline for submission of articles and advertising is 15th of the mont prior to publication

Alan Kerlin President Gungahlin Community Council

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to 2008 Gungahlin. With the little ones back at school, the credit

card bills coming in, and the weather surpris-ingly mild, the Christmas holiday season seems but a distant memory!

And admittedly dragging oneself back to the computer to dive into GCC work has been a diffi-cult ask. I have to remind myself of all the strong gains we had over the last year, and the need to use this next year to consolidate those gains.

We have to lock in outcomes via the review of the Gungahlin Town Centre master plan– the key path for us to ensure a decent base of employ-ment in our town and a reduced number of us having to commute out every day.

Construction of the new Gungahlin College in the heart of the town centre (opposite the Raid-ers Club) should commence within months, but we are yet to see funding locked in to develop the surrounding precinct.

The new commuter bus service down Majura Road to the Airport precinct that we campaigned for and won should commence in April – we’ll need to promote this service well if it is to get the patronage needed to stay on the timetable.

A lot of new land releases should start to come onto the market – offering a belated easing of the absurd land shortage. We’ll no doubt be very busy continuing our lobbying for improved sub-division design to ensure that people are able to build energy-efficient and comfortable, cheap to run homes.

And the ACT Government’s new Territory Plan that we have done so much work on (as have ACTPLA of course) should come into effect in March, opening a new era in ACT planning.

A busy year ahead indeed!

GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS

Palmerston Community

Centre Hire of facilities 0409 691153

www.gcc.asn.au

Meeting Room 1 Casual $17 p/h Perm $14 p/h

Meeting Room 2 $9 p/h

Function rates $250 for 9 hours

Deposit for key is required Casual $110 per key Perm $55 per key

GUNGAHLIN DENTAL SURGERY

Dr Vincent Trai Tran

B.D.Sc (Uni Qld)

37 Anthony Rolfe Ave Gungahlin (Across from Police Station)

Hours Mon – Fri 8.00am – 6.00pm

Sat 8.00am – Noon

PH (02) 6242 7288 To make an appointment

Birralee Scout Hall HIRE

Valley Avenue opposite Burgman School

Please Contact 0402 007 553

At GCC, we get involved in all manner of consultations and planning processes, and we need to have a "panel of providers" who can help us with aspects of these projects as they come up. Is or was your background as any of these areas?

Please give Alan Kerlin a call - we'd love to be able to draw on your expertise to help make Gungahlin a better place for us all.

Can you help Gungahlin?

• Social planner • Town planner • Architect or building designer • Traffic engineer • Urban artist • Public transport engineer • Surveyor

• Health professional • Disability advisor • Landscape designer • Energy consultant • Environmental consultant • Political lobbyist • Or similar?

Janet McKinney GunSmoke Editor Gungahlin Community Council

Welcome to the new year in Gungahlin. School has started again and families all over the ACT are settling back into rou-tines.

The Gungahlin Community Council works quietly trying to represent the needs of the community as and where the opportunities arise. This last month, we received an email re a business owner in the town centre commenting on how their business has suffered with the ongoing presence of the construc-tion site in Gungahlin Place.

The GCC President made contact with Gordon Lowe in the Land Development Agency, who responded promptly with follow-ing explanation on the delays in completing the Linear Park development.

“ C o m p l e t i o n h a s b e e n

delayed as the supplier failed to supply the contractor with luminaires for the street light poles. Despite the contractors best efforts to secure timely provision, the luminaires were not supplied until after the Christmas New Year period”.

He goes on to explain about the process of testing all electrical work prior to being opened to the public. A reality I know that we all support.

“I very much appreciate the desire of the public to see the fence removed and the park opened to the public. It is a desire that both the LDA and our contractor share – neither party has any interest in retaining the fencing any longer than is absolutely necessary.”

“Please be assured that the fencing will be removed immedi-ately we are able to do so. We very much regret any disruption to businesses in the vicinity but are confident that the park will be an asset in attracting patronage in the future.”

This is part of what your Community Council can do for you.


ACT Lic. No 2002 16090

• All plumbing • Roof leaks • Cistern repairs • Grey water recycling • Gas fitting and repairs • Solar hot water systems • Drainage including blockages • Hot water systems and repairs

Call 0418 608 201 Fully Insured

This autumn we will be organising a family tree-planting day in Mulligans Flat and Goorooyarroo Nature Reserves, which will be a wonderful way for Gungahlin residents to get involved in helping to keep these ecologically sig-nificant nature reserves in great shape. If you would like to attend, just email [email protected] to receive our monthly e-newsletter, and you’ll be the first to know once a date is finalised!

There are still some 2008 Gungahlin Environment Calendars left – you can collect your free copy at the Forde Sales and Information Centre, or from the Conservation Council’s office in the city (while stocks last!) If you would like to submit a photograph for next year’s calendar, start clicking now, as entries will open soon. We are especially looking for photos that highlight the different seasons in Gungahlin, but any images that fit into the very broad category of ‘environment’ will be considered.

For more information on environmental activities in Gungahlin, contact Sarah at the Conservation Council on 6229 3210, [email protected], or visit www.ourenvironment.org.au.

Other news from the Conservation Council

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

Canberra has a problem with housing affordability and avail-ability and it is hurting Canberra.

Economics editor for the Can-berra Times, Peter Martin summed up the problem well in an article on 22 January, making the point that housing prices and lack of supply are stalling the ACT economy.

ACT Chief Minister Jon Stan-hope had a rebuttal article printed two days later, in which he pointed out that “already we have seen 750 blocks released in West McGregor and 700 blocks at Ca-sey…another 1400 blocks through a joint venture at Crace.” (You can read both articles on our website.)

The problem of course is that not a single one of these blocks has actually been released – the developments are only in the planning stages and many hun-dreds of people are walking away empty-handed from land ballots of the few blocks that are “released”.

The pivotal question that went unanswered in Mr Stanhope’s rebuttal was how the Land Devel-opment Agency, who are suppos-edly the land development ex-perts, and through them the ACT Government, got caught out so badly? Or was it as many accuse, a strategy to drive up prices?

In an interesting coincidence, GCC was invited by the Chief Min-ister’s Social Inclusion Board to participate in a workshop on the progress on the Canberra Social Plan – not to be confused with the Canberra Spatial Plan. You can read previous such progress re-ports here: www.cmd.act.gov.au/policystrategic/socialplan. A key plank in this Plan is the issue of housing affordability.

The reality is – whether by de-sign or accident – the ACT Gov-

ernment is benefiting financially on the supply shortage that they cre-ated. No matter what they imple-ment via their much-vaunted hous-ing affordability taskforce, it has already been wiped out and then some by their own market distor-tion.

The LDA is taking advantage of the situation by driving prices ever upwards. There has probably been a $30-40,000 increase in the prices of equivalent blocks between the Wells Station and Franklin developments less than two years apart – and who knows how much more by the time Crace and Casey blocks are re-leased? They will tell you that it is “the market” that is driving prices upwards. But let's face it – the ACT Government IS the market.

The ACT Government could fix this by putting a moratorium on land price increases in new releases until their supply rate is adequately meeting demand. This way the sup-ply crisis wouldn’t continue to skew the market. A moratorium on price increases also wouldn’t hurt those of us whom have already bought land like other measures might.

The government argues that unless they sell new blocks of land for the price buyers are prepared to pay, they are distorting the market and affecting the prices of existing houses. They argue that it is “not fair” that those who get cheaper blocks of land get a windfall profit. These issues can be addressed in a fair and equitable way – if the desire is there.

Unless the Government puts a stop to increases in the price of new land – at least until they catch up with demand – one could be for-given for thinking everything else is just window-dressing...

Housing availability and affordability

Over 2000 members of the Gungahlin commu-nity attended the Gungahlin Sustainable Living Fair on 9 December, taking advantage of the free kids’ entertainment, while enjoying sustainable living presentations and retailers, community or-ganisations and market stalls. The Conservation Council, which organised the event, was delighted with the huge display of community support for sustainable living in the Gungahlin region.

The fair, which aimed to help increase awareness in the community about sustainable living at a local and global level, was a huge success, and the Con-servation Council looks forward to working with the Gungahlin community on more events in the future.

Gungahlin Sustainable Living Fair

This initiative is supported by the ACT Government and the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust.

Meeting some friendly ‘water bugs’ with the Ginninderra Catchment Group


Local Area Coordination is a new service for people with a disability aged 0-65 who live in the Gungahlin and Woden Valley Regions.

We can provide information and assistance to help you reach your goals. We are able to assist you to plan for the future, access local services, increase your personal networks and supports, make lifestyle changes of your choice, and much more. The focus of Local Area Coordination is you. It’s your life, it’s your choice.

For more information please phone 6255 7911 or visit us at

Suite 1.3 The Market Place 33 Hibberson Street Gungahlin

http://www.belcomserv.com.au/lac/index.html

Local Area Coordination is provided by Belconnen Community Service Inc. and Woden

Community Service Inc. partnership and funded by Disability ACT

- Income Tax Returns - Individual - Partnerships - Trusts - Company’s - Self managed Superannuation Funds. - Annual Accounting Compliance - Tax Effective Investments - Business Development - Buying/Selling Business.

Allan Watt Accounting

Certified Practicing Accountant

Suite 116, Gungahlin Square, Hibberson Street

GUNGAHLIN

Tel: 02) 6262 2442 Email: [email protected]

We now provide Arcylic and Gel Nail Services

Call today for our introductory offers

Services Include: • Spray Tanning

• Waxing

• Matis Beauty Products

• Tinting

• Facials

• Massage

• Pedicures

• Manicures

• Pamper packages

• Gift Vouchers

Open 9.30am to 6pm Tue-Thurs, 9.30am to 7pm Fri 9am to 3pm Sat

Located in Gungahlin town centre above Big W Suite 3, 1st Floor The Marketplace Gungahlin

Ph: 6162 0048

Beauty & Tanning Studio

The Gungahlin Community Council is supported through the ACT Government

Department of Health and Community Services ACT Planning and Land Authority

The Local Area Coordination office in Gungahlin is delighted to have Tamarah Sherd on board as a new Coordinator.

Tamarah has a broad knowledge of the challenges faced by people with a disability and has assisted people with a vast array of support needs. Tamarah’s early focus will be contacting families with a child with a disability living in the Gungahlin area.

Tamarah said that it is vital that families with children with a disability get support that meets the needs of the whole family as early as possible.

“Early intervention, future planning and linking to community based sup-port is equally important”, Tamara said.

“The fact that we can assist families “free of charge” and can meet with families in their homes or anywhere in the community is a real plus for the Gungahlin area”.

Tamarah will share the workload with Deborah Moger who has been with Local Area Coordination from June 2006 and has been the regular face in the Gungahlin office since September last year.

Tamarah and Debb encourage anyone with a disability or family members to call in to the Gungahlin office – Suite 1.3 above the Commonwealth Bank in the Marketplace, 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, or phone 6255 7911.

Local Area Coordination is provided by Belconnen Community Service Inc. and Woden

Community Service Inc. partnership and funded by Disability ACT

New Coordinator for the Gungahlin area.


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GunSmoke is the publication of the Gungahlin Community Council and is distributed to more than 14,000 homes

in the Gungahlin district.

Contact Evelyn on 0403 865 888 or email [email protected] for rates and deadline details.

The Stanhope Government is committed to enhancing the Gungahlin Town Centre and has committed extra funding to fur-ther this in 2008. Through my Statement of Planning Intent, deliv-ered last year, I committed to delivering im-proved services to the community of Gungahlin. Part of that commitment is to ensure Gungahlin has key services such as shops, schools, ovals, public spaces, petrol stations and leisure facili-ties, as well as the potential to attract commer-cial office development to provide for increased local employment. In the 2007–08 Budget the Government com-mitted $60.7 million for a college in the heart of Gungahlin. This will provide high quality educa-tion for year 11 and 12 students, as well as a pub-lic library and CIT facility. Further to this, I have announced $325,000 will be spent on the design of a public park to be co-located with the Gungahlin College and associ-ated stormwater works. A further $200,000 will be invested to examine options for increasing commercial and community land in the town centre. The ACT Planning and Land Authority will use the $200,000 investment to examine the amount of commercial and community land in the town centre and review the town centre’s planning controls and infrastructure needs. The project will focus on:

•the long-term commercial and community land supply for the Gungahlin town centre

•the character of future development in the town centre, such as building heights and integration with existing development

•transport needs related to an increase in em-ployment. I will be at the Gungahlin Town Centre on Saturday 23 Feb from 10am-12noon to discuss these projects and any other is-sues you would like to raise.

Andrew Barr Minister for Planning ACT Government

The ACT Government and the Gungahlin Community Council is in the process of selecting new artwork that incorporates a seating element into the new section of the Gungahlin Linear Park on the corner of Hibberson St and Gungahlin Place. The final artwork will be selected in April 2008 with instal-lation planned for August 2008.

A new park in Wells Station, Harrison, Mullion Park, named after the poem The Miracle at Mullion Hill, was officially opened on 27 November 2007. The Park celebrates the life and work of one of Australia's finest poets, David Campbell. Mr Campbell spent much of his adult life as a grazier in the Canberra and Bungendore districts, farming Wells Station between 1947 and 1961. The entrance to Mullion Park is marked by four portals made out of recycled bridge timbers. Beneath the portals are panels containing Camp-bell's poetry which have been selected by his family and are considered to be relevant to the area. Lines of Campbell's poetry are laid into a network of pathways surrounded by seating areas.

Public Art for Gungahlin Community Parks

The recent opening of the Belconnen Way intersection on the Gungahlin Drive Extension (GDE) has eased congestion and improved travel time for Gungahlin residents travelling to central and south Canberra. Due for com-pletion in mid 2008, the GDE will allow motorists to travel from Gungahlin (with links to the Barton highway) to the Tuggeranong Parkway (with the Glenloch interchange linking Caswell Drive).

Canberra’s ACTION bus network will receive an upgrade soon with revised routes, timetables and improvements to the network. The new network will be launched on 28 April and will include additional services, including new routes and times for the Gungahlin region.

Improved Travel Time for Gungahlin Residents

A massive $60.7 million injection into a college for Gungahlin will ensure one of Canberra’s fastest growing areas is provided with state-of-the-art edu-cation for senior students. It will be the third new school to open in Gun-gahlin since the Stanhope Government took office in 2001.

The College, which will also serve as a great community facility will accom-modate 900 Year 11 and 12 students. It will also include facilities for CIT students, including a Flexible Learning Centre. The College is planned for completion in 2010.

The recently opened $23 million pre-school to year 6 Harrison School will accommodate up to 100 pre-school and 450 primary students, including 30 children with special needs. A high school is expected to open on the same Harrison School site in 2013.

The Harrison School and Gungahlin College are part of the ACT Govern-ment’s record investment in public education to ensure quality education outcomes for the young people in the region.

Record Investment in Public Education

FROM THE ACT GOVERNMENT


Known for its large number of envi-ronmental enthusiasts, Canberra will be a greener capital if a new proposal is adopted by the ACT Government. Mick Gentleman MLA, Member for Ginnindera, has introduced a draft private members bill into the ACT Legislative Assembly called the ‘Solar Premium,’ which is designed to help people to generate their own electric-ity from renewable sources. Mr Gen-tleman explains:

The current level of dependence on fossil-based fuels in unsustainable.

The point of no return is fast approaching and we must act now if we are to enact the necessary social changed required to win the fight against climate change.

The ‘Solar Premium’, also known as a feed-in law, is a market mechanism that encourages the adoption of re-newable technology by paying people who generate their own electricity from a renewable source (e.g. solar, wind).

People who generate renewable electricity and feed it back into the power grid will be paid more than the market price for the electricity they generate.

I’ve personally seen the benefits that a feed-in law can bring to a community – both socially and economically.

German Dr Hermann Scheer, dubbed the father of the feed-in law, has shown that an effective feed-in law, applied to the right environment, can yield tremendous results.

I see no need for our society to re-invent the wheel, therefore my proposal for the ACT has adopted many of the fundamental elements that Dr Scheer has outlined as essential to making a feed-in law suc-cessful.

The proposed scheme will pay a premium rate of 3.88 times the highest domestic retail electricity price per kilowatt-hour generated, which will ensure shorter payback periods on the initial capital investment.

At present, the return on the initial capital outlay for solar photovoltaic panels and related equipment is some 30–40 years, and that clearly is a deterrent for anyone looking to invest in renewable energy.

With a premium rate set at the proposed level, we can see payback in 10 years or less.

There’s even more incentive because

you’ll continue to generate income beyond the payback period as long as you keep supplying renewable energy back to the grid.

The draft bill allows other renewable energy generation types to be included (e.g. wind, hydro) at the discretion of the Minister. The renewable energy industry is developing quickly, so this provision allows for future technologi-cal advances.

The public consultation period will

close on the 29 February 2008, and copies of the draft are available at: http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/ed/db_31437/default.asp

The Gungahlin Community Council

is talking with Mr Gentleman about a possible amendment to his bill that could allow community groups like GCC to start renewable energy coop-eratives. These cooperatives would allow residents who can’t afford a full system of their own (or people who rent) to pool smaller investments to build larger ‘solar farms’.

A Power House on your roof!

YOUR SAY...

I have been living in Ngunnawal for about 2 years now. My points relate to the centre of Gungahlin. I know there is work going on in the ‘town’ centre, so the following points may already have been addressed. If so, then fair enough.

There is a zebra crossing outside Woolworths on Hib-berson Street which often seems to be ‘missed’ by cars. I think this may be because it is grey and white. (I thought they were called zebra crossings because they were col-oured black and white, like zebras). It isn’t very clear if you don’t know it’s there.

Those drivers that do stop become frustrated very quickly and often start to set off while people are still on the crossing. It is reminiscent of the old Bunda Street crossing in Civic, before they changed it with the recent refurbishments.

There is also a zebra crossing just outside Ali Babas. When you turn right off Hibberson Street to go past Ali Babas, and have to stop at the zebra crossing, you find yourself blocking oncoming traffic (from the Mitchell di-rection) on Hibberson Street. Our car is a people mover so it’s a little worrying. The zebra crossing, which is also grey and white, is on a speed hump and there are often cars parked either side of it.

The ’Give Way’ signage, where Gungahlin Place is split by Hibberson Street, could do with being made clearer. The other day I saw a car exit the Coles underground car park, turn left and carry on straight across Hibberson

Street without even slowing down. I don’t think they were aware of the Give Way.

Would it not make more sense to pedestrianise Hib-berson Street? I think it would certainly make the pave-ment dining experience more enjoyable and after all, you can drive round the back of both Big W and Wool-worths. With the exception of deliveries, disabled driv-ers and emergency services, why does anyone else need to take their car down there?

I know they are going for a country town feel, but I don’t think you can have that without a couple of pubs. I don’t know if any are planned to be built and it’s just a matter of time or if there is a definite intention to avoid them? I’m not talking about dirty drinking dens, but something akin to the George Harcourt at Nichols. We haven’t really dined out in Gungahlin centre because, although the restaurants are starting to appear, there is nowhere to go afterwards, apart from the Raiders Club. It would be nice to have a few pubs that you could stroll along to in the evenings.

On the whole, it’s nice to see the place taking shape. It will be nice if/when they locate some government de-partments closer to home! Chris Blakemore


For Mechanical

Servicing & Repairs

“Think BARS cause BARS Fix Cars”

Your warranty will not be affected when you have your car serviced here

Courtesy car lift to work or home

Fuel discount vouchers

for all mechanical servicing & repairs

6241 4888

Any debate about renewable energy inevita-bly leads to a couple of key ‘reasons’ for con-tinuing with the ‘business as usual’ of coal and gas-fired power stations.

Here the GCC’s Dr Kevin Cox debunks these myths, and asks ‘why are we waiting?’

Myth 1: Renewables are too expen-sive

Power stations are built to last 50 years or more, meaning we are saddled with the impacts of any new power station for a very long time.

Putting aside the time value of money and the environmental impacts of particu-lar energy generation methods, it makes sound economic sense to build only renewable power stations today, to be-come as green as possible as quickly as possible. Consider the maths:

The total energy consumption of Austra-lians is 90,000 kilowatt-hours (kwhs) per person ,including all transport, farming, mining, household and industrial energy uses.

Coal The cost of building a new coal-fired

power station – without any pollution controls at all – is about $1,200 per kilowatt of installed capacity.

There are about 8,300 hours in a year and so the capital cost of coal power sta-tions to generate the country’s total power consumption is about $13,000 per Australian.

The running costs of a coal-fired power station are about two cents per kwh so the running costs are about $1,800 per person per year, or $90,000 over the 50-year life of the plant.

Total life-cycle cost of the plant is $103,000 per person.

Renewables The cost of building thermal solar power

plants is about $3,000 per kw for continuous power (including storage when the sun does not shine).

The cost of geothermal plants is also about $3,000 per kw for continuous power.

So the capital cost of enough generating capacity for the whole country via renewables at present is about $32,500 per Australian.

The running costs are only about $900 per person per year, or $45,000 over 50 years.

This means the total life-cycle cost of powering Australia via renewable energy would be $77,500 per Australian – some 25 per cent less than via coal.

This simple maths shows that in purely economic terms, we would be in front in just 21 years at current prices.

Of course, renewable energy is a devel-oping technology, so we can expect the cost of solar thermal and geothermal to come down with mass deployment.

Meanwhile, we can expect the running cost of coal-fired stations to increase substantially.

So it makes economic sense to build re-newable power sources as quickly as possible.

And if you have cheap renewable power, plus water and CO2, you can create liquid and/or gas fuels for transport and we can use oil and coal instead for more valuable purposes like creating plastics, fertilisers,

food, building materials and medicines so we can turn our coal mines into value-added factories.

It is very difficult to understand why our society has not been building renewable energy sources to replace our existing power sources for the past ten years.

Surely we can afford the investment to not only stop global warming but give our children power at a fraction of the price?

Myth 2: Solar thermal is high-tech and can’t replace the 24/7 base load

Detractors sometimes argue that solar thermal isn’t a viable replacement for coal power because it is high technology and it stops when the sun goes down.

The truth is that (unlike photovoltaics) solar thermal is a very simple technology and is made from mirrors heating water in pipes to create steam, which then drives turbines.

These turbines are much the same as in a regular coal-fired plant.

Solar thermal power generators are designed to be 24 hours a day base load power stations.

Additional heat is stored underground in well-insulated storage during the day and used at night to power the turbines.

There is NO economic reason or techni-cal reason not to move to renewables immediately.

We don't because the owners of existing power and fuel resources think they will lose money.

However, we can arrange for them to be adequately compensated when they close their power plants and they are free to own the new power plants.

Mythbusting Renewables By Dr Kevin Cox


GUNGAHLIN REGIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE

Brought to you by:

Gungahlin Community Network The group meets weekly to undertake craft and art activities, chat and have coffee. It also offers social support and friendship. The Network welcomes new residents

Where: Gungahlin Community Resource Centre When: Wednesday 10am – 12midday Ring Alison on 6123 4422 for more information.

Gungahlin Community Markets

G.R.C.S markets are held every 4th Saturday of the month

10am-2pm

Next markets: February 23 Please ring 6123 4422 to book.

The Gungahlin Art group meets every fortnight on Mondays at the Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Cen-tre. All Gungahlin residents who have an interest in art are welcome to join (you don’t have to be an expert). Contact Derek on 6242 8239 for more in-formation.

Local Art Group

A walking group for everyone! All ages and capabilities welcome. 9.30am -10.30am Thursdays

The walks usually start at the Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre. (Yarrawonga St)

Ring 6123 4422 for more information Get fit and make new friends

Walk and Talk

A women’s discussion, craft and coffee group. The group meets on Thursdays 10am-12 midday. The cost is $3 per week. Childcare is available at $3 per week for one child, $4 per week for two or more children. Bookings essential. Please call Bev on 6242 6077.

Montessori Parent/Toddler Group Suitable for children 18mths- 3yrs this group will be held at the Gungahlin Community Resource Centre on Fridays 9.30-11.30. Interested parents are invited to attend an open morning Friday 1 February 2008. $200 per term, starts 8 February 2008.

Playschool Suitable for 3-5 year olds will be held on Mondays 9.30-12.30 at the Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre. $225 per term starting 11 February 2008. For more information please ring 6228 9208 or email [email protected]

Coffee BREAK

Program Coordinator (30 hrs/week)

This position is for before school (7.30-9.15) and after school (2.30-6.15) care, plus non-contact time, during term time.

Desirable qualifications include a Diploma in Children’s Services or equivalent and a current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain it. Duties will include coordinating the program, program writing and super-vising junior staff.

Additional work during School Holidays is also available.

Assistant Program Coordinator (27 hrs per week)

This position is for before and after school care, plus non-contact time. School holiday work is available.

Traineeships are available.

Casual Out of School Hours Care Worker

This position is for before (7.30 – 9.00am) and after school (3.00 –5.30pm) or after school care only. No experience necessary.

Gungahlin Regional Community Service is seeking staff for our Out Of School Hour Care Programs in Gungahlin. The following positions are available:

Positions Vacant


AIRPORT NOISE

‘FOR ALL YOUR’ • JEWELLERY REPAIRS • SALES – GOLD & SILVER

Agent for – ADINA PIERRE CARDIN VICTORY WATCHES Morellato Italian Jewellery

• REMODELLING • MINOR WATCH REPAIRS • WATCH BATTERIES • NATURAL GEMSTONES • RESTRINGING BEADS & PEARLS

All work carried out on the premises

Shop 28 “KIPPAX FAIR” Hardwick Cres, HOLT 2615 PH: 6254 0388 FAX: 6254 0220

Gungahlin Plumbing, Drainage & Gas Fit-

ting

Repair or Replace Taps & Toilets Hot water Systems Dishwasher Installation Under sink Water Filtration Systems Vanity Basins Blocked Drains Rainwater, Greywater & Sumps Pipe

works

Emergency Repairs Call you local Bloke

Peter Tilley Lic 816 Free Call 6253 9229 Mobile 0412 626 867

93 Kelleway Avenue Nicholls

Calling on the ACT Government to support an airport curfew

By Geoff Willans - President, Curfew 4 Canberra

Curfew 4 Canberra is calling on the ACT Government to announce its response to Canberra Airport's bid to become Sydney's second airport and a 24-hour freight hub.

Curfew 4 Canberra has been formed in response to the dramatic changes proposed in Canberra Airport's draft 2008 Master Plan, in particular the unrelenting night time aircraft move-ments and the impact this will have on the quality of life for all residents of the Canberra region. Our member-ship draws on the resident associa-tions of Jerrabomberra, Pialligo, Hackett, Watson, North Canberra and Gungahlin. One of our key platforms is the introduction of a night time curfew at Canberra Airport.

The community consultation period on Canberra Airport's draft Master Plan closes late February.

This is arguably one of the biggest commercial development proposals that Canberra has seen in recent times, and we're still waiting to hear what the ACT Government's position is.

Queanbeyan City Council released its response to the Airport's Master Plan earlier this week, and has made it publicly available through their website. Curfew 4 Canberra would like to see the ACT government follow suit, and promptly.

We are calling on the ACT Govern-ment to reveal its hand. Do they sup-port Canberra Airport's bid to become Sydney's second Airport? Do they support a 24 hour freight hub? Do they support an aircraft movement over Canberra every 2 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?.

We are eight months out from an ACT election. There is a groundswell of community opposition to Canberra Airport's vision for our future. We're looking for leaders who can listen to our concerns and represent us effec-tively.

Curfew 4 Canberra recently held a very well attended public meeting with ACT Greens MLA, Deb Foskey at the ACT Legislative Assembly. Video of the meeting can be viewed at www.youtube.com/curfew4canberra

Although noise is not too much of a problem for Gungahlin residents yet, it will get worse as more development happens further to the east, and par-ticularly if airport traffic increases as much as the Airport's Master Plan envisages. It makes sense to get a curfew in place for Canberra Airport now, so the Airport's development is appropriately constrained. In addition, GCC have serious concerns about further office development at the Air-port, which can only continue to hurt our chances of getting a decent em-ployment base in Gungahlin. Alan Kerlin, GCC President


NOW OPEN ON THE WATERFRONT www.taydenhair.com.au Formally ‘Hair by Julie’ Education and VIP nights coming soon.. Tayden Hair is a Wig Army Salon.

88A Phyllis Ashton Circuit GUNGAHLIN 6255 7602 Lauren, Emma, Julie, Zrinka

*Finally a family- friendly Salon where the kids can have a little play or watch a DVD during the visit. *Water views while you relax and enjoy your visit. Try on authentic Mexican or handmade jewellery!

*Hidden luxuries include massage chairs, Cappuccino, Herbal or Chinese Teas. *Our experienced and friendly team use quality natural products made with the best ingredients.

*Tayden Hair with Beauty is an eco-friendly recyclable salon. Call today and make an appointment with Emma, our Salon Manager, plus bring in this advert and save $10.00 off any colour, cut or style on that day! Valid for Feb

and March 2008. *Proudly supported by De Lorenzo, PPS Hairware and our own brand…Tayden Hair!

• Relax and give back to yourself

• Reconnect with the authentic you

• Gain a clearer vision of where your life is headed

Balance Your Life From The Inside Out

• Experience better relationships

• Come along to weekly meditation or attend a workshop

• Serenely located at the Waterfront Gungahlin

*Opening Special * Mention this ad for a 10% discount on all services in February

www.journeywithin.com.au

Hi! My name is Tanya! I am part of the team at Tayden Hair with Beauty and I specialise in Pedicures, Manicures, Special Occasion Make Up as well as Formal and Pamper Packages! We offer Wedding Packages, which include Hair, Makeup and a bottle of bubbly! So, come in and pamper yourself while your hair colour is processing. Enjoy a manicure, pedicure, foot mas-sage or have your nails done all while relaxing with a great cappuccino and nibble on something naughty. Feb opening special – 20% off all beauty services.

Certified Nail Technician and Makeup Artist call today 62557602 ask for Tanya!

Bio Sculpture Gel Nails

The Natural Alternative Thin…Strong…Flexible


BARRY VINEY ELECTRICAL

SERVICE

• Telephone outlets • Additional TV outlets • Powerpoints • Tastics • Low voltage halogen

lights • Sensor & security lights

Ph 6242 9355 Mob 0412 620 225

Credit cards accepted

ENSURE YOU GET YOUR ELECTRICAL WORK COMPLETED

BY A LICENCED AND INSURED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Electrical contractors lic ACT C1310 Telephone Licence AO 11215

In today’s fast paced society mental health is of

increasing interest and relevance for many. The

demand for information has been steadily increas-

ing, as more and more people start taking an active

interest in their own mental health.

The Mental Health Foundation (ACT), a leading

mental health service provider and information

resource, has responded to this growing demand by

organising a series of public information talks.

These talks will be held throughout all regions of

Canberra in 2008. A Gungahlin talk on bipolar

disorder will be the first in its series:

Date: Tuesday 4 March 2008

Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm

Location: Gungahlin Regional Community

Service Building, Gungahlin Place, Gungahlin

Cost: FREE

Light refreshments will be available so please

RSVP for catering purposes – 6230 7629

or [email protected]

The Foundation’s public information talk on bi-

polar disorder is receiving much community inter-

est. Andrea Close, a local media celebrity, is one of

many Canberrans who are keen to help out: Andrea

will discuss her own perspective and experiences of

this illness. This talk is an opportunity for you to

learn and understand life differently, to see and

experience other perspectives.

A leading team of mental health professionals

will also take your questions on bipolar disorder.

They will discuss what symptoms people experi-

ence, what treatments and services are available in

Gungahlin and Canberra. The public information

talk will be informative and engaging, a good op-

portunity for you to learn and understand.

Visit the Foundation’s website (www.mhf.org.au),

or call 282 6658, for more information.

A public information talk on Bipolar Disorder


PALMERSTON MEDICAL CENTRE

Palmerston Shops, Tiptree Cres

Ph 6242 9464

Dr Prad Southi MBBS (Syd)

Dr Sandy Viketos MBBS (Syd)

Dr Michael Gan MB, BS (UNSW) DCH (NZ)

D Obst (Otago) FRAC GP

Surgery Hours Mon – Fri

8.30am – 6.00pm Saturday

8.30am – 11.30am

WATCH AND

CLOCK REPAIRS

Repairs to all mechanical and quartz watches and clocks.

Over 40 years experience and all work guaranteed. Malcolm Scott 32 Grampians Street Palmerston ACT 2913 Phone: 02 6242 9636 Email: [email protected]

GUNGAHLIN VETERINARY HOSPITAL

21 Crinigan Circle, GUNGAHLIN (adjacent Caltex / Woolworths Petrol)

6242 7276 [email protected]

Opening Hours Monday– Friday: 8.00 am—6.30 pm

Saturday: 8.30am—4.00pm

Please ring for an appointment.

• Come and wash your dog in our hydrobath—$15 including shampoo, towel and use of dryer

• Puppy Classes running regularly—get your new mate off to the best start

Please ring the hospital for further information or to make a booking

Private Flute Tuition

Flute/Recorder Musicianship/Theory

Beginners/Intermediate Instrument Hire Avail

Call Karen 6255 5010

0409 041 794

POLICE BEAT

Sergeant Bob Muir Officer in Charge

Gungahlin Station ACT Policing

There's a common but mistaken belief among residents that burglaries are more likely to happen at night than during the day. But that's not the case. Last month there was a small in-crease in burglaries in the Gungahlin area and most of these crimes were committed during daylight hours.

And the best way to identify these offenders is through community vigilance. If you see anyone acting suspiciously around your neighbourhood, where possible obtain descriptions – an approximate age, height and clothing of the people involved – and the type, colour and reg-istration of any vehicle involved.

Police don't want you to approach these peo-ple or put yourself at any risk; it's your observa-tions and information we value enormously. Give us the information and we'll do the rest.

If you suspect a crime is being committed, ring the police attendance line on 131-444. If you have information about suspicious or criminal behaviour, then phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

When you see police officers walking about our shopping areas or suburbs, there's a good chance they are patrolling under the Suburban Policing Strategy (SPS) initiative, of which Gungahlin is one community policing zone. The Crime Prevention team co-ordinates the SPS, and late last year a new SPS co-ordinator (SPSCO) was appointed for our area. The new appointee, Constable Greg Monaghan, will be working hard to ensure that Gungahlin residents are the most satisfied of all Canber-rans with their local police.

In the weeks before the end of the 2007 school year, your local Gungahlin police officers were busy visiting the schools in our area and we are very keen to build on those relationships this year. Constable Monaghan and members from Gungahlin Police Station accepted invitations from schools such as Gold Creek High School, Holy Spirit Primary School, Gold Creek Primary School and Palmerston Primary School, attend-ing events such as introduction assemblies, discussion days, and class graduations. We're also looking forward to meeting and working closely with the local Neighbourhood Watch and Safety House representatives with the opening of the new Harrison Primary School. Effective community policing is a partnership between you and your local police. We need your help to make Gungahlin as safe as it can be. And if you need more information about the Suburban Policing Strategy, please visit www.afp.gov.au and follow the links under ACT Policing.

SINA Gel Nails

A Lady Deserves Beautiful Hands

By appointment only

0438 629 197

Available Mon, Tues, Wed & Thur all day

Full set of permanent French Gel Nails $70 Infills $45

Plain Pink Gel $40 Coloured Gel $50

French Gel on Toes $50

Infills completed within 40 mins

All work guaranteed Qualified technician with quality products

Special Officer $10 discount on your first visit


Gungahlin Marketplace Dental Centre (Woolworths Building-Entry next Commonwealth bank ATMs)

Dr Van Trinh PH: 6242 5666 (Lady Dentist, Adelaide Uni) Open 6 Days

Cosmetic , Prevent ive Restorative All General Dentistry

Gentle , On t ime Appointments Str ic t Ster i l isa t ion Procedures High Dental Service Standards

Medibank Pr ivate , MBF, HCF Par t ic ipat ing Provider Direct Heal th Fund Rebate HICAPS

1st Floor 33 Hibberson St, Gungahlin Marketplace, Gungahlin 2912

HAPPY SOLUTIONS Hair, Nails & Beauty

Phone (02) 6230 4949 Dickson Shopping Centre

Hair Cuts : Primary School $13 High School Boys $ 18.00 High School Girls $ 20 Men $23 Ladies $28.00

Foil Highlights $8 each Re-growth. Cap $38 Hair Treatments $15 Shampoo and Set$25 Perms-Fringe only $10

Deluxe Facial 1 hr $80 WAXING $10 Eyelash Tints $23 Eyebrow Tints $18 Nail Manicure $20 Acrylic Nail$30

We use DE LORENZO-Australia's finest hair

care products

☻


FINANCE

Where is my copy of the GunSmoke? That is what we would like to know.

If you did not get a copy of GunSmoke delivered to your place, please let us know. Perhaps you are reading this copy because you collected it from the GCRS or someone else’s place.

GunSmoke is prepared by volunteers of the Gungahlin Community Council, and we pay to have it delivered to more than 14,000 homes north-west of the Barton and Federal Highways, including Mitchell and Gungahlin.

Please complete this form to tell us if you did not receive a copy of GunSmoke and return it by mail or in person, or email us or go through our website at www.gcc.asn.au Name .................................................................................................. Address ............................................................................................... ............................................................................................................ Phone ………………………….. Email ..................................................... Post: PO Box 260, Gungahlin Email [email protected]

We look after your pets when you are not available.

We come to your home so that your animals are comfortable in their own surroundings.

Feeding, watering, oral medication,

cuddles and playtime. Walking, yard and kitty litter clean up.

Mail, bins and that lived-in look. Personalised packages available

on request Enquiries and bookings please call

6242 8269

Email : [email protected]

I remember the day my first credit card arrived in the mail. A rush of both terror and excitement made its way through me.

Terror because I had watched both of my parents go bankrupt due, in part, to overuse and misuse of credit cards.

Excitement – because I had a plan. I was going to avoid the seven deadly sins of credit cards and use mine powerfully and thoughtfully.

Can you avoid the following seven deadly sins?

Wrath Don’t get angry when your monthly

credit card statement is spiralling out of control!

Make a commitment to only spend on your credit card that which you can afford to repay in full each month.

The interest on credit cards is what can kill you, and paying off the monthly minimum will leave you hand cuffed to your card forever!

Get your credit card under control and remember “credit” does not mean “free money”.

Lust Just because you see a new credit card

that comes in pink to match your shoes does not mean you need to get it!

I recommend only one extra “emergency” credit card – if you’re responsible enough to NOT use it! “Emergencies” does not mean the new XBOX being pre-released!

Keep it for emergencies such as medical emergencies or another credit card being denied when you’re travelling overseas due to your credit card company suspect-ing theft.

Also make sure your emergency credit

card has no annual fee.

Greed • Wo-hoo your credit card company has

just offered you another limit increase! STOP! Consider the following:

• Each time you get a limit increase it will affect your overall borrowing abil-ity (the higher your credit card limits the lower your borrowing power for assets like a house!)

• The higher your limit the more some-one has access to if you’re the unfortunate recipient of identity fraud

• Banks quite often offer limit increases to people who cannot sustain more debt

• Do you really need the increase or are you just excited you’ve been offered it

Sloth Paying off your credit card with another

credit card is not the answer! As soon as you withdraw cash from

most credit cards, you start paying interest immediately (in most cases).

The only time I recommend you con-sider this option is when transferring the balance of your credit card to another.

Then destroy the old credit card! Use the interest free period on the new

card (often up to 6 months on a transferred balance) to help completely pay off your credit card debt.

Envy Do you have a shopping problem? There

are many great techniques for not overdo-ing the product envy, here are just a few: • Put your credit card in a glass of water

and freeze it. Commit to not buying anything until the water has melted (no microwaves!) and you’ve had time

to fully consider the purchase

• Get a low limit on your card (preferably one that doesn’t have a limit high enough to afford the new Manolos!)

• Limit your online shopping to funds you’ve earned in your paypal account (that’s right – ebay your old stuff be-fore you buy new stuff!)

Gluttony How many is too many credit cards?

This is, of course, an individual topic. For me – I have a personal card and a

business card and I look for features such as low annual fees, high points for frequent flyer programs and long interest free periods.

Importantly, I still stick to my rule of paying off each card in full before interest is due.

A great option for someone who isn’t sure whether they’re ready for a credit card yet is to get a charge card – where you have to put the money into the card before you spend it!

Pride If you feel that your credit card situation

is beyond your control. Call your bank or financial institution

and organise a time to sit down with one of their staff to organise a payment schedule.

The banks have a vested interest in you continuing to attempt payment and can be quite flexible in how they make arrangements for your payment – all you gotta do is swallow your pride and ask!

Kirsty Dunphey is an author, speaker and entrepreneur who started her first business at 15, opened her own real estate agency at 21 and retired a self-made multi-millionaire at 27. To sign up to Kirsty Dunphey's weekly email, go to www.kirstydunphey.com

The seven deadly sins of credit cards By Kirsty Dunphey



CHURCHES

GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH

Amaroo Primary School Pastor R Perkins 02 6253 8157

SUNDAY: 10.30am Church Service

GUNGAHLIN UNITING CHURCH Ngunnawal Primary School Unaipon Ave, Ngunnawal

Rev Mark Faulkner 02 6242 5001 [email protected]

SUNDAY: 9.30am Church service—Ngunnawal School

SUNDAY: 10.00am Sunday Worship and Children’s Church

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Palmerston Community Centre

Tiptree Court, Palmerston Pastor Rod Holmes 02 6255 6087

SUNDAY: 9.30am All Ages Service at Grace Chapel (incl Children’s program) 5.00om Sunday @ Grace Chapel (incl Children’s program) 7.00pm Sunday @ Grace Chapel

GUNGAHLIN ANGLICAN CHURCH Bergmann Anglican School

Valley Ave, Gungahlin Rector Michael Dasey 02 6242 0734

Rev Tim Baxter 02 6242 0700 [email protected] www.gungahlinanglican.org.au

GUNGAHLIN CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE Gungahlin Community Centre Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin

Pastor Sue & Syd Miller 02 6259 6444

SUNDAY: 10.30am Worship Service—Gungahlin

NORTHSIDE SALVATION ARMY 7/160 Lysaght St, Mitchell

Cpt Dale & Ros Brooks 02 6242 6037 Entrance on Hoskins Street or at rear with parking

SUNDAY: 10.15am for 10.30am Sunday Worship WEEKLY: Bible Studies Children’s Activities FIRST SUNDAY OF MONTH: 8.00am Men's breakfast

NEW LIFE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 107 Wanganeen Ave, Ngunnawall

Rev Mark Adams 02 6241 3750 [email protected]

SUNDAY: 10.00am Sunday church & Kids Bizz 5.00pm Evening Worship

HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC PARISH Parish Church Burdekin Ave, Amaroo Father Bernie Patterson 02 6242 9622

[email protected] www.holyspiritgungahlin.catholic.com.au

SATURDAY: 6.00pm Mass SUNDAY: 9.30am Mass incl children’s Liturgy 5.30pm Mass

ROSTAN LINE DANCING CLASS

BIRRALEE SCOUT HALL. No. 5 VALLEY WAY GUNGHALIN

Thursday Mornings 10 – 12pm. Beginning on Thursday 7th February.

10 – 11am Beginner Beginners 11 – 12pm Lower Intermediate

Cost $6 Its fun, Good Mental Stimulation, Its Exercise, No Age Barriers and you don’t need a partner and it can be a great social life. Men – yes we really encourage the men Stan (the teacher) needs all the male back up he can get.

Enquiries Ros & Stan Ph: 6254 2554

Air-conditioned venue

FOR THE KIDS

Documents

GunSmoke Issue 105 (2008)